Hagel orders review of troubled US nuclear force

US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel speaks at a news conference at the Pentagon in Washington on Oct 17, 2013. Mr Hagel has ordered a sweeping review of the US nuclear force after a series of embarrassing incidents including cheating on an exam by missile officers, officials said on Thursday. -- FILE PHOTO: REUTERS

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has ordered a sweeping review of the US nuclear force after a series of embarrassing incidents including cheating on an exam by missile officers, officials said on Thursday.

The Pentagon chief also planned to summon top commanders as recent lapses and allegations "raise legitimate concerns about the department's stewardship of one of our most sensitive and important missions," Rear Admiral John Kirby told reporters.

"Secretary Hagel believes it is time for the Department of Defense as a whole to place renewed emphasis on examining the health of the nuclear force, in particular those issues that affect the morale, professionalism, performance, and leadership of the people who make up that force," he said.

Senior leaders overseeing the nuclear mission will meet with Hagel in the next two weeks to discuss morale and other personnel issues, he said.